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Red Cross Safety Tips for a Safe & Fun Halloween

Halloween Safety Tips
Have a safe night of trick-or-treating with these tips.

SILICON VALLEY, CA (October 24, 2012) – The American Red Cross is offering tips to keep kids safe this Halloween, reminding everyone that the holiday's greatest hazards aren’t vampires and villains, but falls, costume mishaps and traffic accidents. Have a safe night of trick-or-treating with these tips:

Costume Safety

Whether a child wants to be a princess, a monster or a superhero for Halloween, parents can help keep it safe by using these simple tips when preparing costumes:

  • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
  • Use flame-resistant costumes.
  • Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

    • Navigating the Neighborhood

    To maximize safety, plan a route ahead of time. Make sure adults know where children are going. If the children are young, a parent or responsible adult should accompany them as they walk through the neighborhood. Here are more safety tips to follow as children go from house to house:

  • Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight.
  • Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
  • Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
  • Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
  • Be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.

    • Trick or Treat!

    For those who expect to greet trick-or-treaters at their door, make sure it’s fun for everyone by following a few tips:

  • Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
  • Sweep leaves from sidewalks and steps.
  • Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
  • Restrain pets.
  • Use a glow stick instead of a candle in jack-o-lanterns to avoid a fire hazard.

    • About the American Red Cross:

    The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

    For more information, visit www.redcross.org to learn more or contact your local chapter:

  • Bay Area Chapter – www.redcross.org/bayarea
  • Monterey Bay Chapter – www.redcross.org/montereybay
  • Santa Cruz County Chapter – www.redcross.org/santacruz
  • Silicon Valley Chapter – www.redcross.org/siliconvalley